Dinner plate

ABSTRACT

A dinner plate may include a base surface configured for holding food. Further, the dinner plate may include at least one side wall extending upwardly about a perimeter of the base surface configured to enclose the base surface from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface. Further, the dinner plate may include at least one guideline subdividing the base surface into a plurality of sections. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of sections may include at least one of a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section may include a fruit and vegetable section. The second section may include a protein section. The third section may include a starch section.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119e, the Applicant(s) claim the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/717,899 filed on Aug. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to a foods and beverages apparatus, and in particular to a dinner plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For millions of individuals who are on a diet, controlling and monitoring food portions can be a challenge. This is particularly true when supervising children who need portion control. A variety of devices have been developed which forcibly control portion size, but these devices have generally met with resistance from users. The best solution would be a device which allows the user to remain in complete control of portion size, but with constant visual reminders and guidelines for appropriate portion size, such that the user will be gently guided to voluntarily control portion size. There is no such dinner plate which may provide guidelines to divide the surface of the plate into appropriately sized sections with illustrations of the types of foods to be served on each section.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved dinner plate that may overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or limitations.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

According to some embodiments, a dinner plate is disclosed Further, the dinner plate may include a base surface configured for holding food. Further, in some embodiments, the base surface may include a circular shape. Further, in some embodiments, a diameter associated with the base surface may include at least one of a 10-inch diameter, and an 8-inch diameter.

Further, the dinner plate may include at least one side wall extending upwardly about a perimeter of the base surface. Further, the at least one side wall may be configured to enclose the base surface from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface.

Further, the dinner plate may include at least one guideline subdividing the base surface into a plurality of sections. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of sections may include at least one of a first section, a second section, and a third section. Further, in some embodiments, the first section may include a fruit and vegetable section. Further, in some embodiments, the fruit and vegetable section may include half of the base surface. Further, in some embodiments, the second section may include a protein section. Further, in some embodiments, the second section may include a protein section. Further, in some embodiments, the protein section may occupy one fourth of the base surface. Further, in some embodiments, the third section may include a starch section. Further, in some embodiments, the starch section may occupy one fourth of the base surface. Further, in some embodiments, each section in the plurality of sections may include a visual representation of a food group associated with the section. Further, the visual representation may be imprinted on the base surface. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline may be imprinted on the base surface. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline may project upwardly from the base surface and may extend linearly across the base surface to create a guide wall. Further, the guide wall may be configured for physically separating the plurality of sections.

Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the base surface, the at least one side wall, and the at least one guideline may be manufactured from at least one of a glass, a plastic, and a ceramic.

Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary representation of a dinner plate, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary representation of a dinner plate, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary representation of a dinner plate, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of a dinner plate, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary representation of a dinner plate 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the dinner plate 100 may include a base surface 102 configured for holding food. Further, in some embodiments, the base surface 102 may include a circular shape. Further, in some embodiments, a diameter associated with the base surface 102 may include at least one of a 10-inch diameter, and an 8-inch diameter.

Further, the dinner plate 100 may include at least one side wall 104 extending upwardly about the perimeter of the base surface 102. Further, the at least one side wall 104 may be configured to enclose the base surface 102 from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface 102.

Further, the dinner plate 100 may include at least one guideline 106 subdividing the base surface 102 into a plurality of sections. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of sections may include at least one of a first section 110, a second section 112, and a third section 114. Further, in some embodiments, the first section 110 may include a fruit and vegetable section. Further, in some embodiments, the fruit and vegetable section may include half of the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the second section 112 may include a protein section. Further, in some embodiments, the second section 112 may include a protein section. Further, in some embodiments, the protein section may occupy one fourth of the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the third section 114 may include a starch section. Further, in some embodiments, the starch section may occupy one fourth of the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, each section in the plurality of sections may include a visual representation of a food group associated with the section. Further, the visual representation may be imprinted on the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline 106 may be imprinted on the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline 106 may project upwardly from the base surface 102 and may extend linearly across the base surface 102 to create a guide wall. Further, the guide wall may be configured for physically separating the plurality of sections.

Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the base surface 102, the at least one side wall 104, and the at least one guideline 106 may be manufactured from at least one of a glass, a plastic, and a ceramic.

Further, in some embodiments, a dinner plate 100 may include a base surface 102 having a circular shape configured for holding food. Further, in some embodiments, a diameter associated with the base surface 102 may include at least one of a 10-inch diameter, and an 8-inch diameter.

Further, in some embodiments, a dinner plate 100 may include at least one side wall 104 extending upwardly about a perimeter of the base surface 102. Further, the at least one side wall 104 may be configured to enclose the base surface 102 from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface 102.

Further, in some embodiments, a dinner plate 100 may include at least one guideline 106 subdividing the base surface 102 into a first section 110, a second section 112, and a third section 114. Further, the first section 110 may occupy half of the base surface 102. Further, each of the second section 112 and the third section 114 may occupy one fourth of the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, each section of at least one of the first section 110, the second section 112, and the third section 114 may include a visual representation of a food group associated with the section. Further, the visual representation may be imprinted on the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline 106 may be imprinted on the base surface 102. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one guideline 106 may project upwardly from the base surface 102 and may extend linearly across the base surface 102 to create a guide wall. Further, the guide wall may be configured for physically separating the plurality of sections.

Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the base surface 102, the at least one side wall 104, and the at least one guideline 106 may be manufactured from at least one of a glass, a plastic, and a ceramic.

In some embodiments, dinner plate (such as the dinner plate 100), may provide three sections on the top surface, which are separated by guidelines (such as such the at least one guideline 106) forming boundaries between the sections. Each section may correspond to one of the three major food groups, and provides images of various foods within that food group. The sections may include a fruit and vegetable section (such as the first section 110), which may occupy a 180° arc of the top surface, a protein (section such as the second section 112), which may occupy a 90° arc of the top surface, and a starch section (such as the third section 114), which may occupy a 90° arc of the top surface.

The plate may be intended for use as a nutritional aid to control portion size. Further, in some embodiments, the plate may be provided in two sizes such as a 10-inch size for adults, and an 8-inch size for children. Other sizes may also be contemplated.

In some embodiment, the user may place food portions within the guidelines of each section of the plate may include the food group illustrated within each of the sections.

The plate may be preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material which may be dishwasher safe, such as glass, plastic, or ceramics.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the disclosure.

While the foregoing written description of the disclosure enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what may be presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The disclosure should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Although the disclosure has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dinner plate comprising: a base surface configured for holding food; at least one side wall extending upwardly about a perimeter of the base surface, wherein the at least one side wall is configured to enclose the base surface from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface; and at least one guideline subdividing the base surface into a plurality of sections.
 2. The dinner plate of claim 1, wherein the base surface comprising a circular shape;
 3. The dinner plate of claim 2, wherein a diameter associated with the base surface comprises at least one of a 10-inch diameter, and an 8-inch diameter.
 4. The dinner plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sections comprises at least one of a first section, a second section, and a third section.
 5. The dinner plate of claim 4, wherein the first section comprises a fruit and vegetable section.
 6. The dinner plate of claim 5, wherein the fruit and vegetable section occupies half of the base surface.
 7. The dinner plate of claim 4, wherein the second section comprises a protein section.
 8. The dinner plate of claim 7, wherein the protein section occupies one fourth of the base surface.
 9. The dinner plate of claim 4, wherein the third section comprises a starch section.
 10. The dinner plate of claim 9, wherein the starch section occupies one fourth of the base surface.
 11. The dinner plate of claim 1, wherein each section in the plurality of sections comprises a visual representation of a food group associated with the section, wherein the visual representation is imprinted on the base surface.
 12. The dinner plate of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideline is imprinted on the base surface.
 13. The dinner plate of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideline projects upwardly from the base surface and extends linearly across the base surface to create a guide wall, wherein the guide wall is configured for physically separating the plurality of sections.
 14. The dinner plate of claim 13, wherein at least one of the base surface, the at least one side wall, and the at least one guideline is manufactured from at least one of a glass, a plastic, and a ceramic.
 15. A dinner plate comprising: a base surface having a circular shape configured for holding food; at least one side wall extending upwardly about a perimeter of the base surface, wherein the at least one side wall is configured to enclose the base surface from at least one side to prevent the food spilling out from the base surface; and at least one guideline subdividing the base surface into a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first section occupies half of the base surface, wherein each of the second section and the third section occupies one fourth of the base surface.
 16. The dinner plate of claim 15, wherein each section of at least one of the first section, the second section, and the third section comprises a visual representation of a food group associated with the section, wherein the visual representation is imprinted on the base surface.
 17. The dinner plate of claim 15, wherein the at least one guideline is imprinted on the base surface.
 18. The dinner plate of claim 15, wherein the at least one guideline projects upwardly from the base surface and extends linearly across the base surface to create a guide wall, wherein the guide wall is configured for physically separating the plurality of sections.
 19. The dinner plate of claim 15, wherein a diameter associated with the base surface comprises at least one of a 10-inch diameter, and an 8-inch diameter.
 20. The dinner plate of claim 15, wherein at least one of the base surface, the at least one side wall, and the at least one guideline is manufactured from at least one of a glass, a plastic, and a ceramic. 